Dixon Lake

How big is Dixon Lake?

How deep is Dixon Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Dixon Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Dixon Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Dixon Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Dixon Lake

Are there boat launches on Dixon Lake?

Dixon Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Dixon Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Dixon Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Dixon Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Background

Dixon Lake is moderately-sized lake in the Mississippi River watershed near Squaw Lake, Minnesota. Dixon has a surface area of 616 acres, a littoral area of 478 acres (78%) and a maximum depth of 29 feet. The Third River enters Dixon Lake and outflows about 7 miles to Lake Winnibigoshish. Water levels in the lake can vary by 4 feet because of the large watershed.

Much of the lake is relatively shallow and low oxygen levels occasionally occur during severe winters. The water is hard and very fertile. Residential development is moderate. The lake historically supported a diverse aquatic plant community. Dense aquatic plant growth and algae blooms can be a nuisance lake users and property owners given the lake's nutrient load and shallow mean depth. The infestation of curly-leaf pondweed in the early 2000's has impacted the aquatic plant community and if untreated, may limit aquatic recreation.

The Fisheries Lake Management Plan (LMP) was last revised in 2010. Walleye and Black Crappie were considered primary management species and Northern Pike and Bluegill were considered secondary management species. Goals of the 2010 LMP were to maintain Northern Pike at the lake class median of 5.1/gill net and Black Crappie at the lake class median of 2.5/gill net and to provide a seasonal walleye fishery characterized by a catch of 2.0/gill net.

A standard survey was conducted in July of 2015 to assess the status of the fish community. This assessment consisted of 9 gill nets and 12 trap nets.

Results

Dixon Lake's shallow depth and tendency for winterkill favor bullhead species, and the lake has a history of producing abundant bullhead populations. Brown Bullheads were the most common fish in gill and trap nets in 2015. The trap net catch of 9.1 per net was high compared to similar lakes. Black Bullheads have occurred in moderate densities in Dixon during past surveys. The 2015 gill net catch of 5.2 per net was comparable to similar lakes. Gill net captured Brown Bullhead ranged from 8.5 to 14.3 inches and averaged 10.5 inches while Black Bullhead ranged from 8.2 to 13.1 inches and averaged 9.5 inches. Although bullheads are not frequently sought by anglers in the Grand Rapids Area, Dixon Lake appears to provide good angling opportunities for these species.

Northern Pike were the second most common fish in the gill net catch. The catch of 6.4 per net was near the lake class median, typical for Dixon Lake, and near the LMP goal. The Dixon Lake population has a history of producing small pike. Size structure remained poor in 2015 as the catch was dominated by fish less than 21 inches. Lengths ranged from 15.9 to 31.8 inches and averaged 18.9 inches. Northern Pike attained a length of 17.6 inches at age 4, similar to the statewide average. Five consecutive year classes were represented in the sample (age 2-6). However, 48% were from the 2012 year class. Poor size structure limits the popularity of pike in Dixon Lake. Anglers are encouraged to utilize the abundant small pike while releasing pike over 22 inches.

Yellow Perch catches were historically moderate to high on Dixon, but have declined substantially in recent assessments. The catch of 5.2 per gill net in 2015 was the lowest on record. Yellow Perch ranged from 4.9 to 10.4 inches and averaged 6.4 inches. Although the average size is too small to interest anglers, perch are an important prey item for pike and Walleye.

Walleye have never been sampled in high numbers from Dixon Lake, despite frequent Walleye fry stocking. Spawning Walleye from Lake Winnibigoshish are known to migrate to Dixon Lake, providing good spring angling. The 2015 gill net catch of 0.8 per lift was the lowest observed for Dixon Lake and below the LMP goal. Captured Walleye ranged from 8 to 20.7 inches and averaged 15.7 inches. Walleye attained a length of 13.5 inches at age 4, similar to the statewide average. Given the habitat, it is unlikely that Dixon will ever support a large, year round population of Walleye and that the fishery will remain dependent on migration via the Third River. Anglers are reminded that Dixon Lake is included in the Lake Winnibigoshish special Walleye regulation and that all Walleye from 18-23 inches must be immediately released.

Dixon Lake has a history of producing a crappie population characterized by moderate numbers and quality size structure. Like many lakes in Northern Minnesota, irregular recruitment results in dominant year classes, shifting age and size structure, and inconsistent angler success. Black Crappies were captured at a rate of 1.2/gill net and 0.9/trap net in 2015. Black Crappie ranged in length from 4.3 to 12.0 inches. Summer assessments on Dixon have generally resulted in low sample sizes of crappie. Spring trap net assessments may provide better data on this species. A targeted spring assessment in 2015 captured 71 Black Crappie ranging from 7.6 to 13.6 with an average of 9.3 inches. Five year classes were present (ages 3 - 7), but recruitment appears inconsistent, as the 2012 year class comprised 71% of the sample. Black Crappie averaged 9.6 inches at age 4.

Past sampling has indicated relatively low sunfish densities with a size structure dominated by large sunfish. The 2015 trap net of 1.9 Bluegill per net confirms a low density population. Like crappie, spring trap net assessments may provide better data on the population. The 2015 targeted sampling resulted in a length range of 7.2 to 10.1 with an average length of 8.8 inches. Six year classes were present (ages 4 - 9), but recruitment appears inconsistent, as the 2009 year class comprised 55% of the sample. Bluegill averaged 8.0 inches by age 5, which is similar to past assessments. Anglers should note that Dixon Lake is managed with a 5 fish bag limit for sunfish to protect the quality size structure.

Dixon Lake supports invasive curly leaf pondweed. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

What is the average air temp for Dixon Lake?

Are there any state parks near Dixon Lake?